One of our part time RNs was interested in becoming a member and asked what were the advantages to membership.  Part of the question involved an inquiry of whether we provide a reduced rated on the dues structure.  I thought the answer might answer some questions for other part timers as well as our full time RNs.

I was asked to make a follow up contact with you about becoming a member of the local.  Perhaps it would be best if I simply told you about some of the things we are doing or have done recently.  It would take far too much time to explain all the benefits that you currently enjoy that are the results of union activity going back to the 1930's.  The union is currently working on (translated it means bugging our Senators and Congressmen) getting part time RNs the same status as full times, that is - we are trying to get their "temporary" status changed to permanent - that would afford additional protections.  We've negotiated guaranteed Holiday pay schedules (pt RNs were routinely abused with this in the past).  We were able to push management into an agreement regarding mandatory OT problems which also addressed PT RNs suffering loss of wages in "OT-like" situations.  The local negotiated the first agreement in the VISN on this issue.  When it comes to scheduling problems, like certain flip backs (only eight hours between tours, yes, there is protection there, but many RNs don't realize them, particularly those who are not members.)   We are the source for information about the conditions you work under.  New managers frequently don't know your rights and the rules that govern your conditions of employment.  We couldn't even begin to enumerate the violations we have dealt with because of unknowing or uncaring supervisors.  When scheduling problems arise, we will sit down with the member and the supervisor and work out a legitimate solution.  Essentially we will negotiate a situation for our member if we can.  That type of representation is not required for non-members.  Our only obligation is to see the nurse's rights under the provision of the contract are not violated.  We use our direct line communications with service chiefs to influence benefits for first hand attention to our members' problems.  We try to personalize the representational process.  For our nonmembers, representation is limited to obligatory requirements.  For members, we utilize resources that are not covered under the contract and only come from many years of a developed network of managers, from first-line supervisors to the facility director.

When it comes to pro rating the dues, I would only ask you if you needed representation would you like the Union to prorate the service we provided?  We go the extra mile for all our members, often providing additional support in other than contractual issues.  Non-members will get what the law obligates us to provide them with.  The bulk of the dues paid every two weeks go to the National level to support lobbying activities in Washington, D.C. - of the remaining monies, some is provided to the National VA Council who represents us within the National union.  Our Sec/Treas. is also a Vice President on this council.  We have for the last twenty plus years been able to maintain this position on the council.  As a result of this effort our local enjoys some additional influences both nationally and locally.  Over the past several years, attrition has slowly affected our local and our desire is now to actively pursue membership growth.  We would like you to be part of that growth. I hope to hear from you soon.    GT